Barra Macneils set to mark the season
Think of it as church service meets kitchen party
TRURO, N.S. – The Barra Macneils are kicking off the Maritime leg of their 20th anniversary cross-canada tour with a show in Truro Friday.
The Barra Macneils’ An East Coast Christmas has become a traditional favourite. The five Macneil siblings, along with Jamie Gatti, are known for their instrumental medleys, ringing harmonies and an entertaining flair for storytelling.
“It’s everything from a Cape Breton kitchen party to midnight mass,” said band member Stewart Macneil.
The Barra Macneils will be performing at Truro’s First United Church on Dec. 20.
Their unique seasonal show is crafted each year to bring a special Celtic spin on traditional favourites and original east coast treasures with songs, stories and dance.
Their unique rendition of “O Holy Night” is one of many highlights that often brings audiences to their feet.
Fans can also look forward to gems like “Ave Maria”, “Christmas in Killarney”, and “Auld Lang Syne”, among an array of originals and seasonal offerings.
Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, the Barra Macneils are deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history.
But they also have a connection to Colchester County through Gatti, who attended Cobequid Educational Centre.
“We’ve always had a great show in Truro and Jamie Gatti went to school at CEC and is from Great Village,” said Macneil. “It’s a bit of a homecoming.”
The band’s many critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried-and-true standards, both instrumental and vocal.
Stewart said he has seen parents bring children to their live shows and years later it is the grown-up children bringing their parents.
The concert is presented by Brookes Diamond Productions and the Marigold Culture Centre.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 at First United Church, 711 Prince St.
Tickets are $42 and can be bought at https://ticketpro.ca, or from the Marigold box office, at 605 Prince Street in Truro.